CEO Krafcik leaves Hyundai, succeded by Zuchowski

Hyundai Motor America said John Krafcik will step down as CEO at year end, capping a five-year run during which he steered the Hyundai brand to record U.S. sales and market share.

Krafcik will be succeeded by Dave Zuchowski, currently Hyundai's executive vice president of U.S. sales, on Jan. 1, 2014.

A Hyundai spokesman declined to say whether Krafcik was retiring or whether he planned to take another job elsewhere. According to a Hyundai statement, Krafcik's contract with Hyundai expires Dec. 31.

"It's been a sincere privilege and honor to lead Hyundai Motor America over the past five years, and I am confident that with Dave's succession, our brand will continue to expand and thrive for years to come," Krafcik said in a statement. "We have many of the best and brightest employees in the business coupled with a committed and talented dealer network that will continue to pay dividends."

Zuchowski has been Hyundai's U.S. sales boss since joining the company in 2007.

"I am both humbled and excited to lead Hyundai Motor America into the next chapter by continuing to build on John's great legacy, and focusing on what matters most -- building the highest quality, safest and most diverse fleet of models that customers love," Zuchowski said in a statement.

The article David Zuchowski named CEO of Hyundai Motor America, succeeding John Krafcik first appeared at Automotive News

By Ryan Beene- Automotive News